Devices for fishiing lures with interchangeable scents and methods for embedding scents in fishing lures

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure is directed to fishing lures with interchangeable scents and methods of embedding scents in fishing lures. In an embodiment, a device for supplementing a fishing hook or other fishing device to attract or repel fish is provided and includes an accessory holder; and a plurality of accessories attached to the accessory holder, each of the plurality of accessories including a body formed of a material capable of absorbing an applied scent, wherein the plurality of accessories are each individually attached to the accessory holder and are configured to individually detach from the accessory holder and attach to the fishing hook or other fishing device so that the applied scent can be used to attract or repel fish.

PRIORITY

This application claims priority to and the benefit as a divisional ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/836,142, filed Dec. 8, 2017,entitled “Fishing Lures with Interchangeable Scents and Methods ForEmbedding Scents In fishing Lures,” issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,701,915on Jul. 7, 2020, which claims priority to as U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 62/433,428, filed Dec. 13, 2016, entitled “Apparatusesand Methods for Embedding a Scent in a Fishing Lure”, and is related toU.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/621,633, filed Jun. 13, 2017,entitled “Apparatuses and Methods for Embedding a Scent in a FishingLure”, the entire contents of each of which are incorporated herein byreference and relied upon.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates generally to scented fishing lures, andmore specifically to fishing lures with interchangeable attachmentsembedded with different scents.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Fish are attracted to scents. For this reason, many fishermen eitherpurchase scented baits or apply scents to fishing lures to increasetheir chances of catching fish. When a scent is applied to a fishinglure, it is typically applied by coating the fishing lure with a liquidand allowing the liquid to dry. For example, a scented liquid can besprayed onto a fishing lure, or the fishing lure can be dipped into thescented liquid. These methods, however, do not always ensure that thescent will remain with the fishing lure for an extended period of time,meaning that the scents must be constantly reapplied. These methods thuscause the fisherman to constantly handle the fishing lure, enabling oilsfrom the fisherman's own hands to transfer to the fishing lure or thescents to transfer from the fishing lure to the fisherman. Many scentedliquids that are used to coat fishing lures are also messy to handle.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure is directed to methods and apparatuses forembedding scents in fishing lures. In a general example embodiment, afishing lure configured to be customized with different scents includesa body, and a plurality of attachments configured to be attached to anddetached from the body, wherein a first attachment of the plurality ofattachments includes a first scent, and a second attachment of theplurality of attachments includes a second scent, and wherein the firstattachment and the second attachment can be interchangeably attached toand detached from the body at a same location of the body.

In another embodiment, the body includes a hook.

In another embodiment, the body is configured to be attached to a hook.

In another embodiment, the body includes a slot configured tointerchangeably receive the first and second attachments.

In another embodiment, the first attachment and the second attachmentare disc-shaped and interchangeably fit into the slot.

In another embodiment, the first attachment and the second attachmenteach include an electrically conductive material.

In another embodiment, the body includes vents to disperse the firstscent when the first attachment is attached to the body and the secondscent when the second attachment is attached to the body.

In a general example embodiment, a device for supplementing a fishinghook or other fishing device to attract or repel fish includes anaccessory holder, and a plurality of accessories attached to theaccessory holder, each of the plurality of accessories including a bodyformed of a material capable of absorbing an applied scent, wherein theplurality of accessories are each individually attached to the accessoryholder and are configured to individually detach from the accessoryholder and attach to the fishing hook or other fishing device so thatthe applied scent can be used to attract or repel fish.

In another embodiment, one or more of the plurality of accessoriesincludes a conductive material, the conductive material configured toattract the applied scent to the body when an electrical charge isapplied thereto.

In another embodiment, the accessory holder is configured to place theconductive material in electrical communication with an outside sourcefor applying the electrical charge to the conductive material.

In another embodiment, the accessory holder includes a conductivematerial configured to attract the applied scent to the bodies when anelectrical charge is applied to the conductive material.

In another embodiment, one or more of the plurality of accessoriesincludes an adhesive, and the adhesive attaches the one or more of theplurality of accessories to the accessory holder.

In another embodiment, one or more of the plurality of accessoriesincludes an adhesive, and the adhesive attaches the one or more of theplurality of accessories to the fishing hook or other fishing device.

In another embodiment, the plurality of accessories are configured tointerchangeably be placed into a slot of a fishing lure to alternate ascent dispersed by the fishing lure.

In another embodiment, one or more of the plurality of accessoriesincludes a plurality of strips for visually attracting fish.

In a general example embodiment, a method of using a plurality of scentsto attract or repel fish includes impregnating a plurality of firstaccessories located on a first accessory holder with a first scent,impregnating a plurality of second accessories located on a secondaccessory holder with a second scent, the second scent different fromthe first scent, attaching one or more of the plurality of firstaccessories to a fishing hook or other fishing device to attract orrepel fish with the first scent, removing the one or more of theplurality of first accessories from the fishing hook or other fishingdevice, and attaching one or more of the plurality of second accessoriesto the fishing hook or other fishing device to attract or repel fishwith the second scent.

In another embodiment, attaching the one or more of the plurality offirst accessories includes adhering the one or more first accessories,and attaching the one or more of the plurality of second accessoriesincludes adhering the one or more second accessories.

In another embodiment, attaching the one or more of the plurality offirst accessories includes placing one of the first accessories into aslot of the fishing hook or other fishing device, and attaching the oneor more of the plurality of second accessories includes placing one ofthe second accessories into the slot of the fishing hook or otherfishing device.

In another embodiment, impregnating the plurality of first accessoriesincludes applying an electrical charge to the first accessory holder,and impregnating the plurality of second accessories includes applyingan electrical charge to the second accessory holder.

In another embodiment, one or more of the plurality of first 999accessories and the plurality of second accessories includes aconductive material to assist in impregnating with the first scent orthe second scent.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be explained in furtherdetail by way of example only with reference to the accompanyingfigures, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example embodiment of a scentapplication device in accordance with the present disclosure in a closedconfiguration;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the scent application device of FIG. 1in an open configuration;

FIG. 3 is a front plan view of the scent application device of FIG. 1 inan open configuration;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an example embodiment of a scentapplication device in accordance with the present disclosure in a closedconfiguration;

FIG. 5 is an example embodiment of a control method that can beperformed using the scent application device of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6A is a front plan view of an example embodiment of an accessoryholder according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 6B is a side cross-sectional view of an individual fishingaccessory held by the accessory holder of FIG. 6A;

FIG. 6C is a front plan view of an example embodiment of an accessoryholder according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 7A is a front plan view of an example embodiment of an accessoryholder according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 7B is a side cross-sectional view of an individual fishingaccessory held by the accessory holder of FIG. 7A;

FIG. 8A is a front plan view of another example embodiment of anindividual fishing accessory according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 8B is a front plan view of the fishing accessory of FIG. 8Aattached to a fishing hook;

FIG. 9A is a front perspective view of another example embodiment of anindividual fishing accessory according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 9B is a front plan view of the fishing accessory of FIG. 9Aattached to a fishing hook;

FIG. 10 is a front plan view of an example embodiment of a fishing hookaccording to the present disclosure;

FIG. 11 is a front perspective view of an example embodiment of afishing line according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 12A is a front perspective view of an example embodiment of afishing lure and fishing lure accessory according to the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 12B is a front plan view showing the fishing lure of FIG. 12Aattached to a fishing hook;

FIG. 12C is a front perspective view of another example embodiment of afishing lure and fishing lure accessory according to the presentdisclosure; and

FIG. 12D is a front plan view of an example embodiment of an accessoryholder holding a plurality of the fishing lure accessories shown inFIGS. 12A to 12C.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before the disclosure is described, it is to be understood that thisdisclosure is not limited to the particular apparatuses and methodsdescribed. It is also to be understood that the terminology used hereinis for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is notintended to be limiting, since the scope of the present disclosure willbe limited only to the appended claims.

As used in this disclosure and the appended claims, the singular forms“a,” “an” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearlydictates otherwise. The methods and apparatuses disclosed herein maylack any element that is not specifically disclosed herein. Thus,“comprising,” as used herein, includes “consisting essentially of and“consisting of.”

The present disclosure relates to methods and apparatuses for embeddinga scent in a fishing lure. As understood by those of ordinary skill inthe art, a fishing lure is typically placed at the end of a fishing lineand includes or is attached to a hook designed to attach to a fish whenthe fishing lure is bitten by the fish. Though the present disclosure isdirected to fishing lures, those of ordinary skill in the art mayrecognize other applications of the methods and apparatuses discussedherein. For example, in an embodiment, the methods and apparatuses ofthe present disclosure can be used to embed a scent into a piece ofclothing worn by a swimmer.

FIGS. 1 to 3 illustrate an example embodiment of a scent applicationdevice 10 according to the present disclosure. In the illustratedembodiment, device 10 includes a body 12 and a door 14 with a handle 18.When door 14 is closed as illustrated in FIG. 1, an inner space 16 ofbody 12 is sealed off from the environment outside of body 12. Sealingof the inner space 16 by door 14 creates an isolated environment for ascent to be applied to a fishing lure 30.

FIGS. 2 and 3 show an example embodiment of a configuration inside ofinner space 16 of body 12. In the illustrated embodiment, device 10includes a liquid scent container 20, a heating mechanism 22, apressurization mechanism 24, and a lure attachment mechanism 26.

Container 20 is a container for a scented liquid. The scented liquid caninclude, for example, commercially available oil or non-oil based scentsextracted for example from shad, crayfish, baitfish, worms and/or otherwater-oriented creatures and/or liquid that has been infused with a baitscent. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize other scentedliquids that can be used.

Container 20 can be filled with the scented liquid by opening door 14and pouring the scented liquid into container 20, or by pouring thescented liquid into container 20 with door 14 already closed. In theillustrated embodiment, an outer surface of door 14 includes a liquidreceiving dish 34 in fluid communication with a spout 36 on the innersurface of door 14. A user can therefore close door 14 and pour thescented liquid into liquid receiving dish 34, and the scented liquidwill be guided through spout 36 and into container 20. In an embodiment,spout 36 can be sealed so that inner space 16 is isolated from theoutside environment when the scented liquid is not being poured intocontainer 20. In an embodiment, device 10 can include multiplecontainers 20, multiple receiving dishes 34 and/or multiple spouts 36,enabling multiple different scents to be embedded at the same time.Liquid receiving dish and spout 36 can be included on any surface ofbody 10.

Heating mechanism 22 is configured to raise or lower the temperaturewithin inner space 16. Heating mechanism 22 can include, for example,heating coils located on or within the inner walls, lower surface and/orupper surface of body 12. In an embodiment, heating mechanism 22 caninclude a heating portion 32 of container 20 that directly contacts thescented liquid within container 20 to cause steam to be created from thescented liquid.

Pressurization mechanism 24 can be used to create a positive pressure ora negative pressure within inner space 16. In an embodiment,pressurization mechanism includes a vacuum pump that is configured topump air into inner space 16 to increase the pressure within inner space16 when inner space 16 is isolated from the outside environment and/orto pump air out of inner space 16 to decrease the pressure within innerspace 16 when inner space 16 is isolated from the outside environment.In an embodiment, pressurization mechanism 24 can pressurize inner space16 with a compressed or pressurized gas, for example, carbon dioxide.

In the alternative embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, container 20 islocated outside of inner space 16 as part of pressurization mechanism24. A heating mechanism 22 can cause scented liquid within container 20to create steam, which steam can then be pumped into inner space 16 bypressurization mechanism 22 to create positive pressure within innerspace 16. A fishing lure 30 can be attached to attachment mechanism 26and sealed inside of inner space 16 by closing door 14. In theillustrated embodiment, attachment mechanism 26 includes a clamp thatcan clamp onto a fishing lure to suspend the fishing lure within innerspace 16. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize otherattachment mechanisms that can be used besides a clamp, for example, ahook, a sling, or the like. In the illustrated embodiment, attachmentmechanism 26 hangs from the top of body 12 to expose a maximum amount ofsurface area of fishing lure 30 for application of a scent. Those ofordinary skill in the art will also recognize that other configurationsare possible.

In the illustrated embodiment, attachment mechanism 26 hangs from theupper surface of body 12 by a cord 40. In an embodiment, cord 40 mayenable attachment mechanism 26 to be raised or lowered so that fishinglure 30 can be dipped into the liquid residing in container 20. Inanother embodiment, attachment mechanism 26 can be kept stationary or ina raised configuration so that fishing lure 30 hangs in the middle ofinner space 16 to enable a scent to be added to fishing lure 30 viasteam. In an embodiment, device 10 can include multiple attachmentmechanisms so that multiple fishing lures 30 can have a scent applied atthe same time.

In an embodiment, cord 40 and/or attachment mechanism 26 can be part ofa conductive element formed of a conductive material. A metal such ascopper, silver, gold, aluminum, zinc, nickel, brass, bronze, iron,platinum, steel or lead, or an alloy or mixture thereof, for example,can be included as part or all of cord 40 and/or attachment mechanism 26to provide a conductive element. A fishing lure 30 can then be hung fromattachment mechanism 26, and an electrical or magnetic charge can beapplied to the fishing lure 30 via cord 40 and/or attachment mechanism26, for example, to create a positive or negative charge within fishinglure 30, to cure a liquid scent applied to fishing lure 30, and/or tocause fishing lure 30 to attract an ionized scent.

In an embodiment, the scented liquid can contain a salt solution withthe ability to separate into positive and negative ions. For example,the scented liquid can include sodium chloride or potassium chloride.Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize other salt solutionsthat can be used with device 10.

To apply a charge to the fishing lure 30, cord 40 and/or attachmentmechanism 26 can be conductively connected to an electrode 42 and/or caninclude electrode 42 as a part thereof. In an embodiment, the electrode42 can be an anode or a cathode. In an embodiment, electrode 42 is oneof an anode or a cathode, while another electrode 44 is the other of theanode and cathode and is located within container 20 or elsewhere insideof inner space 16. As explained in more detail below, when the anode andcathode are activated, positive ions can be attracted to the cathode andnegative ions can be attracted to the anode. Thus, by applying apositive or negative charge to fishing lure 30 held by attachmentmechanism 26, device 10 can cause positive or negative ions to beattracted to fishing lure 30, for example, to attract the scent tofishing lure 30 or cure a scent applied to the fishing lure 30.

In the embodiment in which fishing lure 30 is dipped into scented liquidin container 20, one of an anode and a cathode can be used to apply apositive or a negative charge to fishing lure 30, while the other of ananode and a cathode can be located within container 20. The anode andcathode can then be activated to cause positive or negative ions fromthe scented liquid to attach to fishing lure 30. The type of ionsattracted to fishing lure 30 will depend on whether a positive ornegative charge is applied to fishing lure 30.

In the embodiment in which fishing lure 30 hangs in the middle of innerspace 16 to enable a scent to be added to fishing lure 30 via steam, oneof an anode and a cathode can be used to apply a positive or a negativecharge to fishing lure 30, while the other of an anode and a cathode canbe located elsewhere inside of inner space 16. When the scented liquidis heated to create steam, the anode and cathode can be activated tocause positive or negative ions from the steam to attach to fishing lure30.

In the illustrated embodiment, door 14 of device 10 includes a userinterface 50 and control unit 52 to control the various elements ofdevice 10. Control unit 52 can include a processor and a memory, whichcan include a non-transitory computer readable medium. In an embodiment,the memory can store optimized settings for adding a scent to a fishinglure. In an embodiment, a user can use user interface 50 to programdevice 10 to operate at different temperatures and/or pressures and/orcan use user interface 50 to apply an electrical or magnetic charge to afishing lure within inner space 16.

FIG. 5 shows a control method 100 for operating device 10 to add a scentto a fishing lure 30. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognizethat several of the steps can be performed in different orders and/oromitted from the method.

At step 102, a fishing lure 30 is attached to attachment mechanism 26.Attachment can be via a clamp or other attachment mechanism as describedabove, and can place fishing lure 30 in conductive communication with anelectrode 42.

At step 104, a scented liquid is added to container 20. The scentedliquid can be premixed or mixed within container 20. In an embodiment,water can be mixed with a powder or liquid concentrate within container20 to create the scented liquid.

At step 106, inner space 16 of body 12 is sealed from the outsideenvironment, isolating fishing lure 30 within inner space 16. Sealinginner space 16 from the outside environment allows the temperature andpressure within inner space 16 to be precisely controlled, and alsoprevents the scent from escaping device 10 when steam is created.

Depending on how the scent is to be applied to the fishing lure 30,method 100 can then proceed to any of steps 108, 114, 120 or 126. In anembodiment, one or more of steps 108, 114, 120 or 126 is enabled bydevice 10, and a user can modify how the scent is applied by selectingoptions using user interface 50.

If fishing lure 30 is to be dipped into scented liquid in container 20,and the scented liquid is to then be applied using an electrode 42 suchas an anode or cathode, cord 40 can cause fishing lure 30 to be loweredat step 108. At step 110, the anode and cathode can be activated so thations of the scented liquid separate, with the positive ions beingattracted to the cathode and the negative ions being attracted to theanode. The fishing lure 30 can then be raised from the scented liquid atstep 112 and retain the positive or negative ions attracted thereto bythe anode or cathode. The temperature can also be increased by heatingmechanism 22 to cure the liquid retained on fishing lure 30, thepressure within inner space can be adjusted by pressurization mechanism24 to cure the liquid retained on fishing lure 30, an electrical ormagnetic charge can be applied to fishing lure 30 via electrode 42 or amagnet to cure the liquid retained on fishing lure 30, and/or anothercuring mechanism can be used.

If the scent is to be applied to fishing lure 30 via steam, then themethod proceeds to step 114 so that the control unit 52 causes heatingmechanism 22 to raise the temperature within inner space 16 and/orcontainer 20 to create steam from the scented liquid. The steam can thenbe caused to attach a scent to the fishing lure 30 via the anode andcathode and/or via pressurization. To cause the steam to attach thescent to fishing lure 30 via the anode or cathode, control unit 52activates the anode and cathode at step 116 so that ions of the scentedsteam separate, with the positive ions being attracted to the cathodeand the negative ions being attracted to the anode. To cause the steamto attach the scent to fishing lure 30 via pressurization, control unit52 activates pressurization mechanism 24 at step 118 to create apositive or negative pressure within inner space 16. The temperature canalso be further increased by heating mechanism 22 to cure the liquid onfishing lure 30, the pressure within inner space can be adjusted bypressurization mechanism 24 to cure the liquid retained on fishing lure30, an electrical or magnetic charge can be applied to fishing lure 30via electrode 42 or a magnet to cure the liquid retained on fishing lure30, and/or another curing mechanism can be used.

If fishing lure 30 is to be dipped into scented liquid in container 20without activating an anode or cathode, cord 40 can cause fishing lure30 to be lowered at step 120. Fishing lure 30 can then be raised fromthe scented liquid at step 122 with a coating of scented liquid. Thescented liquid coating fishing lure 30 can then be cured by raising thetemperature with heating mechanism 22, by adjusting the pressure withininner space 16 using pressurization mechanism 24, by applying anelectrical or magnetic charge to fishing lure 30 using electrode 42 or amagnet, and/or using another curing mechanism.

If the scent is to be applied to fishing lure 30 via steam withoutactivating an electrode, then the method proceeds to step 126 so thatthe control unit 52 causes heating mechanism 22 to raise the temperaturewithin inner space 16 and/or container 20 to create steam from thescented liquid. The steam can be created within inner space 16 or can bepumped into inner space 16 by pressurization mechanism 22 tosimultaneously adjust the pressure within inner space 16. After a periodof time allowing the steam to contact fishing lure 30 at step 128, thetemperature can be increased further by heating mechanism 22 to cure thesteam attracted to fishing lure 30 at step 130, the pressure withininner space can be adjusted by pressurization mechanism 24 to cure theliquid retained on fishing lure 30, an electrical or magnetic charge canbe applied to fishing lure 30 via electrode 42 or a magnet to cure theliquid retained on fishing lure 30, and/or another curing mechanism canbe used.

In an alternative embodiment, the liquid or steam contacting fishinglure 30 can be cured, for example, by UV lights positioned to directultraviolet (“UV”) energy towards fishing lure 30 within inner space 16.In another embodiment, an electrical or magnetic charge applied tofishing lure 30 by electrode 42 can be used to cure the liquid or steam.Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize other methods ofcuring liquid or steam contacting fishing lure 30

The steps above can be performed in a sequence, simultaneously, or inany combination. By performing two or more of steps simultaneously, thestrength of the scent attached to fishing lure 30 can be increased. Inan embodiment, a user can use user interface 50 to precisely controlwhich steps occur and at what temperatures, pressures and voltages theyoccur at.

In an embodiment, device 10 can be operated without any scented liquidso as to apply a charge to a fishing lure without adding a scent so thatthe charged fishing lure can be used to attract fish. It is believedthat certain types of fish may sense the charge of the fishing lure andtherefore be more likely to bite the fishing lure. Many fish use theprinciple of electroreception to perceive electrical stimuli, so addinga charge to the fishing lure may make the fishing lure more attractiveto or more easily recognized by certain types of fish, regardless of anyadditional scent retained by the fishing lure.

In an embodiment according to the present disclosure, fishing lure 30can be formed with a battery operated device therein to create a pulsedsignal.

In an embodiment, a waterborne device other than a fishing lure can beimpregnated with a scent. For example, it may be advantageous for aswimmer to embed a wetsuit or other waterborne device worn or carried bythe swimmer with a scent that would repel fish such as sharks from theswimmer. In an embodiment, the other waterborne device could be anarmband, legband or surfboard attachment that can attach to a swimmer orsurfboard to repel fish such as sharks. In an embodiment, the waterbornedevice can be a device that removably attaches to the swimmer, swimmer'sclothing or surfboard, for example, by hook and loop material or anothertype of attachment.

In an embodiment, the wetsuit or other waterborne device can be attachedto attachment mechanism 26 as described with respect to fishing lure 30above. Device 10 can then be operated as described above to embed thescent in the wetsuit or other waterborne device using the methoddescribed above.

In an embodiment, the wetsuit or other waterborne device can include aconductive element or network that can be placed in conductivecommunication with an electrode by attachment mechanism 26 as describedwith respect to fishing lure 30 above. Device 10 can then be operated asdescribed above to embed the scent in the wetsuit or other waterbornedevice using the method described above.

In the above embodiment, fishing lure 30 is illustrated as a fishinghook. It should be understood, however, that fishing lure 30 can also beembodied as a fishing hook accessory that attaches to a fishing hook toattract a fish to the fishing hook.

FIG. 6A illustrates an example embodiment of an accessory holder 200including a plurality of fishing lure accessories 202 that can attach toa fishing hook, while FIG. 6B illustrates an individual accessory 202.In the illustrated embodiment, each accessory 202 includes a body 204, aconductive material 206 and an adhesive material 208.

In the illustrated embodiment, accessory holder 200 is a flat sheet thatincludes a face 210 to which the plurality of fishing lure accessories202 are initially attached. Those of ordinary skill in the art willrecognize other shapes and sizes that can be used for accessory holder200. For example, accessory holder 200 could be round with the pluralityof fishing lure accessories 202 encircling a central conductive portion.FIG. 6C illustrates an example embodiment of an alternativeconfiguration of accessory holder 200.

In use, accessory holder 200 can be attached to attachment mechanism 26via conductive attachment 212, and an electrical charge can be appliedas described above to add one or more scents to the plurality of fishinglure accessories 202. In the illustrated embodiment, a conductive wire214 is located within or on the material forming accessory holder 200 toplace conductive attachment 212 in electrical communication withconductive material 206 of each accessory 202. When an electrical chargeis applied to conductive attachment 208 via attachment mechanism 26 asdescribed above, the electrical charge is transferred to each conductivematerial 212 of each accessory 202, thus drawing in a scent and/orapplying a charge to each accessory 202 as described above.

In the illustrated embodiment, conductive material 206 is located at thebottom of accessory 202 to directly contact conductive wire 214 onaccessory holder 200. In an alternative embodiment, conductive wire 210can be removed, and accessory holder 200 itself can be partially orfully conductive to transfer the electrical charge to conductivematerial 206 of each accessory 202.

In an embodiment, body 204 can be formed of a porous material configuredto absorb a scent with or without a charge applied to conductivematerial 206. For example, body 204 can be formed of a textile materialconfigured to soak up a liquid scent. In an embodiment, body 204 canformed of pumice, an aerated plastic or a roughened surface. In theillustrated embodiment, the plurality of fishing lure accessories 202can be manufactured without a scent attached, and then a user cancustomize the scent for a particular accessory holder 200 with aplurality of fishing lure accessories 202 using, for example, any of themethods discussed above for scent application device 10.

In an embodiment, conductive material 206 and/or conductive wire 214 caninclude, for example, a metal such as copper, silver, gold, aluminum,zinc, nickel, brass, bronze, iron, platinum, steel or lead, or an alloyor mixture thereof. In an embodiment, adhesive material 208 can includea reusable and/or waterproof adhesive, for example, a silicone-basedadhesive.

In the illustrated embodiment, the accessories 202 are attached toaccessory holder 200 by adhesive 208. In use, each accessory 202 can beseparately peeled off of accessory holder 200 and can be adhered to afishing hook or other fishing device designed to attract or repel fish.It is envisioned that a plurality of sheets 200 could be impregnatedwith different scents, and individuals could use and discard accessories202 as they see fit. For example, an individual could attach to afishing hook an accessory 202 from a sheet 200 charged with a firstscent, and if the first scent failed to attract a fish as desired, theindividual could remove from the fishing hook the first scentedaccessory 202 and attach an accessory 202 from an accessory holder 200charged with a second scent. The individual could also use the pluralityof accessories 202 by replacing the same or a different scentedaccessory as the scent fades through use.

Although the illustrated embodiment uses an adhesive 208 to attach eachaccessory 202 to an accessory holder 200 and to a fishing hook or otherfishing device, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize otherattachment mechanisms that can be used, for example, clamps.

FIG. 7A illustrates another example embodiment of an accessory holder220 including a plurality of fishing lure accessories 222 that canattach to a fishing hook or other fishing device, while FIG. 7Billustrates an individual accessory 222. In FIGS. 7A and 7B, eachindividual accessory 222 does not include a conductive material.Accessory holder 220 is itself conductive, and can be attached toattachment mechanism 26 via attachment 228, and an electrical charge canbe applied above. When the electrical charge is applied to accessoryholder 220, a scent can be attracted to and absorbed by body 224 of eachaccessory 222.

In an embodiment, body 224 can be formed of a porous material configuredto absorb a scent with or without a charge applied to accessory holder220. For example, body 224 can be formed of a textile materialconfigured to soak up a liquid scent. In an embodiment, body 224 canformed of pumice, an aerated plastic or a roughened surface. In theillustrated embodiment, the plurality of fishing lure accessories 222can be manufactured without a scent attached, and then a user cancustomize the scent for a particular accessory holder 220 with aplurality of fishing lure accessories 222 using, for example, any of themethods discussed above for scent application device 10. In anembodiment, adhesive material 226 can include a reusable and/orwaterproof adhesive, for example, a silicone-based adhesive.

In an alternative embodiment, accessory holder 220 and the plurality offishing lure accessories 222 can be made without any conductivematerial. In this embodiment, accessory holder 220 can be dipped intocontainer 20 to apply a scent to each accessory 222 as described above,or steam can be used as described above. The accessories 222 can then beused as described above with respect to accessories 202. In thisembodiment, the plurality of fishing lure accessories 222 can bemanufactured without a scent attached, and then a user can customize thescent for a particular accessory holder 220 with a plurality of fishinglure accessories 222 using, for example, non-conductive methodsdiscussed above for scent application device 10.

FIG. 8A illustrated an alternative embodiment of an accessory 202, 222that can be used with the accessory holders 200, 220 discussed above,while FIG. 8B illustrates accessory 202, 222 attached to a fishing hookvia adhesive 208, 226. In the illustrated embodiment, accessory 202, 222includes a plurality of strips 230 that dangle to attract fish. Byadhering accessory 202, 222 to a fishing hook or other fishing device,accessory 202, 222 can be used to not only attract a fish via itsapplied scent, but also through the visual use of its dangling strips230. In an embodiment, the accessories 202, 222 can be used withoutapplying any scent thereto due to the visual attraction provided bystrips 230.

In an embodiment, accessories 202, 222 can be made with different formsand designs to attract different types of fish. For example, accessories202, 222 can be formed of different colors and shapes to look, forexample, like fish or bait. Accessories 202, 222 can also be made withdifferent textures and sizes to appeal to different types of fish. Forexample, accessories 202, 222 can be made in the shapes of a fish, wormcrab, insect or the like.

FIG. 9A illustrates another example embodiment of an accessory 240 thatcould be added to a fishing hook or other fishing device, while FIG. 9Billustrates accessory 240 attached to a fishing hook. In the illustratedembodiment, accessory 240 includes a body 242 and a conductive wire 244running through body 242. In use, conductive wire 244 can be placed inelectrical communication with, for example, attachment mechanism 26discussed above, and an electrical charge can be applied to conductivewire 244 to attach a scent to body 242. In the illustrated embodiment,body 242 also includes an aperture 246 there through to enable accessory240 to be attached to a fishing lure by placing a fishing line throughaperture, as illustrated in FIG. 9B.

In an embodiment, body 242 can be formed of a porous material configuredto absorb a scent with or without a charge applied to conductive wire244. For example, body 242 can be formed of a textile materialconfigured to soak up a liquid scent. In an embodiment, body 242 canformed of pumice, an aerated plastic or a roughened surface. In anembodiment, conductive wire 244 can include, for example, a metal suchas copper, silver, gold, aluminum, zinc, nickel, brass, bronze, iron,platinum, steel or lead, or an alloy or mixture thereof.

FIG. 10 illustrates an example embodiment of a fishing hook 250 that canbe used with the present disclosure. In the illustrated embodiment,fishing hook 250 includes a body 252 and a conductive wire 254 runningthrough body 252. In use, conductive wire 252 can be placed inelectrical communication with, for example, attachment mechanism 26discussed above, and an electrical charge can be applied to conductivewire 254 to attach a scent to body 252. In an embodiment, conductivewire 254 can include, for example, a metal such as copper, silver, gold,aluminum, zinc, nickel, brass, bronze, iron, platinum, steel or lead, oran alloy or mixture thereof.

FIG. 11 illustrates an example embodiment of a fishing line 260 that canbe used in accordance with the present disclosure. In the illustratedembodiment, fishing line 260 includes a body 262 and a conductive wire264 running through body 262. In use, conductive wire 262 can be placedin electrical communication with, for example, attachment mechanism 26discussed above, and an electrical charge can be applied to conductivewire 264 to attach a scent to body 262. In an embodiment, conductivewire 264 can include, for example, a metal such as copper, silver, gold,aluminum, zinc, nickel, brass, bronze, iron, platinum, steel or lead, oran alloy or mixture thereof.

FIG. 12A illustrates another example embodiment of a fishing lure 270and fishing lure accessory 272 that can be used in accordance with thepresent disclosure. In the illustrated embodiment, fishing lure 270includes a connection 274 enabling fishing lure 270 to be attached to afishing hook as shown in FIG. 12B, although those of ordinary skill inthe art will recognize that fishing lure 270 can itself be formed as thefishing hook.

In the illustrated embodiment, fishing lure 270 is formed to look likebait for a fish. Those of ordinary skill will recognize that FIG. 12A isexemplary, and that other shapes, sizes and colors can be used toattract different types of fish.

In the illustrated embodiment, fishing lure 270 includes a body 276including a slot 278. In use, fishing lure accessory 272 is scented andis placed into slot 278 to provide the scent to fishing lure 270 that isintended to attract fish. In the illustrated embodiment, fishing lureaccessory 272 is a disc shape that snap-fits into slot 278, althoughthose of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that other shapes andattachments can be used to achieve the same goals.

Fishing lure 270 and fishing lure accessory 272 as advantageous, forexample, because a plurality of individual fishing lure accessories 272can be interchangeably used with fishing lure 270 as desired. Forexample, a first fishing lure accessory 272 can be placed into slot 278and used with fishing lure 270 until the scent of the first fishing lureaccessory 272 fades or the user desires to use a different scent. Atthat point, the user can remove first fishing lure accessory 272 andinsert a second fishing lure accessory 272 having a different scent oran unused fishing lure accessory 272 having the same scent. In this way,the user can customize the scent of fishing lure 270 with ease andensure that the scent remains strong over time.

In the illustrated embodiment, body 276 can be hollow inside and includevents 280 that enable the scent from lure accessory 272 to disperseoutside of the body. In an embodiment, body 26 can formed of a porousplastic. FIG. 12C illustrates an embodiment in which lure accessory 272can enclosed within body 276 by a cap 282, such that vents 280 are theonly way for the scent to disperse from fishing lure accessory 272. Inan embodiment, cap 282 can snap-fit onto body 276, can be pivotallyattached to body 276, can attach to body 276 via a magnetic force, aspring clip or an adhesive, or can attach to body 276 by otherattachment mechanisms known in the art. Alternatively, fishing lure 270can be used as shown in FIG. 12B, wherein part of lure accessory 272 isexposed outside of body 276 to disperse the scent of lure accessory 272.

In an embodiment, accessory 272 can include a magnet. The magnet can beused, for example, to attach accessory 272 to fishing lure 270, whichcan also include a magnet. In an embodiment, accessory 272 can be mademagnetic via device 10 as described above.

In an embodiment, accessory 272 can include electronics to give off anelectrical impulse. Certain fish may be attracted to an electricalimpulse, and accessory 272 could make fishing lure 270 more attractiveto fish by including this feature. In an embodiment, an accessory 272with an electrical impulse could be used with fishing lure 270 until theelectrical impulse runs out or weakens, and then a new accessory 272could be added to fishing lure 270 to refresh the electrical impulse. Inanother embodiment, an accessories 272 with an electrical impulse couldbe interchanged with non-impulse accessories 272 as desired by a user.

FIG. 12D illustrates an example embodiment of an accessory holder 290including a plurality of fishing lure accessories 272 that can be usedwith fishing lure 270. In the illustrated embodiment, all or a portionof accessory holder 290 can be made with a conductive material, and/orfishing lure accessories 272 themselves can be formed in part or wholewith a conductive material as described above, such that a scent can beapplied to fishing lure accessories 272 by applying a charge toaccessory holder 290 and/or fishing lure accessories 272 by attachingaccessory holder 290 to attachment mechanism 26 and applying anelectrical charge as described above. Alternatively, accessory holder290 and/or fishing lure accessories 272 can be made without a conductivematerial and dipped or steamed with a scent as described above withoutapplying an electrical charge.

It is envisioned that fishing lure accessories 272 could be impregnatedwith different scents, and individuals could use and discard accessories272 as they see fit. For example, an individual could attach to afishing lure 270 an accessory 272 having a first scent, and if the firstscent failed to attract a fish as desired, the individual could removefrom the fishing hook the first scented accessory 272 and attach anaccessory 272 having a second scent. The individual could also use theplurality of accessories 272 by replacing the same or a differentscented accessory as the scent fades through use.

In an embodiment, fishing lure accessory 272 can be formed of a porousmaterial configured to absorb a scent with or without a charge appliedto conductive wire 244. For example, fishing lure accessory 272 can beformed of a textile material configured to soak up a liquid scent. In anembodiment, fishing lure accessory 272 can formed of pumice, an aeratedplastic or a roughened surface. In an embodiment, fishing lure accessory272 can include, for example, a metal such as copper, silver, gold,aluminum, zinc, nickel, brass, bronze, iron, platinum, steel or lead, oran alloy or mixture thereof.

It should be understood that various changes and modifications to thepresently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent tothose skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications can be madewithout departing from the spirit and scope of the present subjectmatter and without diminishing its intended advantages. It is thereforeintended that such changes and modifications be covered by the appendedclaims.

The invention is claimed as follows:
 1. A device for supplementing afishing hook or other fishing device to attract or repel fish, thedevice comprising: an accessory holder; and a plurality of accessoriesattached to the accessory holder, each of the plurality of accessoriesincluding a body formed of a material capable of absorbing an appliedscent, wherein the plurality of accessories are each individuallyattached to the accessory holder and are configured to individuallydetach from the accessory holder and attach to the fishing hook or otherfishing device so that the applied scent can be used to attract or repelfish.
 2. The device of claim 1, wherein one or more of the plurality ofaccessories includes a conductive material, the conductive materialconfigured to attract the applied scent to the body when an electricalcharge is applied thereto.
 3. The device of claim 2, wherein theaccessory holder is configured to place the conductive material inelectrical communication with an outside source for applying theelectrical charge to the conductive material.
 4. The device of claim 1,wherein the accessory holder includes a conductive material configuredto attract the applied scent to the bodies when an electrical charge isapplied to the conductive material.
 5. The device of claim 1, whereinone or more of the plurality of accessories includes an adhesive, andwherein the adhesive attaches the one or more of the plurality ofaccessories to the accessory holder.
 6. The device of claim 1, whereinone or more of the plurality of accessories includes an adhesive, andwherein the adhesive attaches the one or more of the plurality ofaccessories to the fishing hook or other fishing device.
 7. The deviceof claim 1, wherein the plurality of accessories are configured to beinterchangeably placed into a slot of a fishing lure to alternate ascent dispersed by the fishing lure.
 8. The device of claim 1, whereinone or more of the plurality of accessories includes a plurality ofstrips for visually attracting fish.
 9. A method of using a plurality ofscents to attract or repel fish, the method including: impregnating aplurality of first accessories located on a first accessory holder witha first scent; impregnating a plurality of second accessories located ona the first or a second accessory holder with a second scent, the secondscent different from the first scent; attaching one or more of theplurality of first accessories to a fishing hook or other fishing deviceto attract or repel fish with the first scent; removing the one or moreof the plurality of first accessories from the fishing hook or otherfishing device; and attaching one or more of the plurality of secondaccessories to the fishing hook or other fishing device to attract orrepel fish with the second scent.
 10. The method of claim 9, whereinattaching the one or more of the plurality of first accessories includesadhering the one or more first accessories, and wherein attaching theone or more of the plurality of second accessories includes adhering theone or more second accessories.
 11. The method of claim 9, whereinattaching the one or more of the plurality of first accessories includesplacing one of the first accessories into a slot of the fishing hook orother fishing device, and wherein attaching the one or more of theplurality of second accessories includes placing one of the secondaccessories into the slot of the fishing hook or other fishing device.12. The method of claim 9, wherein impregnating the plurality of firstaccessories includes applying an electrical charge to the firstaccessory holder, and wherein impregnating the plurality of secondaccessories includes applying an electrical charge to the secondaccessory holder.
 13. The method of claim 9, wherein one or more of theplurality of first accessories and the plurality of second accessoriesincludes a conductive material to assist in impregnating the first scentor the second scent.
 14. The method of claim 9, wherein one or more ofthe plurality of accessories is configured to visually attract fish.